Chelsea agree deal for £53 million Serie A hitman

Chelsea have agreed a £53 million deal to bring Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain to Stamford Bridge, according to reports.

The Blues are currently in talks with Higuain’s former boss Maurizio Sarri as they look to replace Antonio Conte after a disappointing season.

Sarri and Higuain spent just one season together at Napoli during 2015/16, however the Argentine striker thrived under the 59-year-old boss, scoring 36 goals in Serie A to break the all-time scoring record for a single season.

Higuain was widely expected to be named as one of Sarri’s first signings once he completes his long rumoured move to South West London – however reports now suggest Higuain will beat the Italian to Chelsea.

According to Sport Mediaset, Juventus and Chelsea have now struck a deal for Higuain worth to be around £53 million, and that a deal could be announced within a matter of days following Argentina’s exit from the World Cup.

The Italian media outlet also report that talks with Sarri are still ongoing, and Chelsea are close to negotiating the Italian out of his contract at Napoli.

Sarri was sacked at the end of last season and replaced by former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, however still remains tied to Naples due to a clause in his contract, meaning the Blues are likely to have to pay a substantial fee to bring him to Stamford Bridge.